The Rhineland

Germany

The Rhineland Travel Information

The Basics

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2, Apr - Oct)

Electricity

220-230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Language

German is the official language. English is also widely spoken and understood.

Travel Health

There are no serious health risks for visitors to Germany and no
vaccinations are required. The German health service is excellent.
There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU
countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental
treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC). Nationals of other countries should take out medical
insurance.

Tipping

German law stipulates that all prices, menus and bills include
both tax and a service charge, so tipping is not necessary in
restaurants. Cleaning staff, hairdressers, taxi drivers etc.
appreciate small tips.

Safety Information

A visit to Germany should be trouble free, but take normal
precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing,
especially at airports, railway stations and markets in the large
cities.

Local Customs

Visitors are not required to carry their passports with them at
all times in Germany, but carrying some form of identification is
advised. Smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants is
illegal.

Business

In Germany, business is conducted in a very formal manner. A
conservative, formal dress code is the norm. Punctuality is vital
at all meetings and it is considered rude to be late. Germans love
titles: men are referred to as 'Herr' and women as 'Frau', followed
by their last names, until otherwise specified. Meetings are often
purely business and may not occur over lunches, which are generally
more social. Shaking hands at the beginning and end of the meeting
is common. The exchange of business cards is also common but there
is no accompanying ritual. Decisions are often made behind closed
doors. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday,
with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications

The international access code for Germany is +49. Telephone
numbers in Germany can range from four to nine digits. There are
surcharges on international calls made from hotels; it is often
cheaper to use public telephone boxes in post offices, which use
phone cards. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and
have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet
cafes are available in the main towns.

Duty Free

Passengers arriving from non-EU countries, over the age of 17,
can enter Germany without paying duty on 200 cigarettes or 100
cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, or a proportional
mix of these products; 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and 1
litre of spirits over 22% volume or 2 litres of spirits under 22%
volume; and other goods to the value of €430 for travellers
arriving by air or sea, and €300 for travellers arriving by
land.

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